12/05/2025
Proud of our very own, Matt is featured this week by the FWC and the Reef Ranger program. The FWC Lionfish Program manages state policy and regulations; hosts outreach, education, and control programs; and supports research to improve removal efforts and management.
This week's Reef Ranger Spotlight features Matt Hoaglund!
At 32 years old, Matthew Hoaglund has spent the past decade exploring the underwater world, diving anywhere a beach dive is possible—most often along the vibrant shores of Fort Lauderdale. His passion for the ocean has taken him far beyond Florida, leading him to the crystal-clear waters of the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos and the lush reefs of Belize, where he has filmed for the popular YouTube channel Deer Meat for Dinner.
Over the years, he has earned his certification as a Dive Master and built a respected reputation as a professional underwater photographer and videographer. With his own YouTube channel, he inspires others to appreciate, protect, and enjoy the ocean. His videos showcase everything from reef cleanups to responsible spearfishing and lobster hunting, all while highlighting the beauty of the underwater world.
Night diving is his specialty—so much so that he engineered a custom GoPro lighting setup bright enough to turn the darkness of night into what looks like daytime. His enthusiasm for innovation and exploration extends to conservation as well. He has been an active participant in the annual Lionfish Challenge Derby and is proudly one of the few divers to have collected every FWC Challenge Coin since the program began in 2016.
Whether leading a dive, filming a new adventure, or helping others get excited about the sport, he brings a contagious, childlike joy to every trip beneath the waves. As a manager at Brownie’s YachtDiver Stores, he encourages others to discover the same passion for diving. Above all, he is known as a safe, committed, and exceptional dive buddy—someone who is always ready to jump in the water with a smile and a sense of wonder.